Rochiel's Big Island and Kona Town Guidebook
Restaurants
Enjoy a wonderful dinner by the sea with amazing sunsets views and it is walking distance from the condo.
162 locals recommend
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdEnjoy a wonderful dinner by the sea with amazing sunsets views and it is walking distance from the condo.
Great place by the water that many visitors and locals enjoy having happy hour and it is walking distance from the condo.
38 locals recommend
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrGreat place by the water that many visitors and locals enjoy having happy hour and it is walking distance from the condo.
A popular sports bar in Kona Town many stop here to enjoy their street tacos, drinks and watch sports.
36 locals recommend
Oceans Sports Bar & Grill
75-5811 Ali‘i DrA popular sports bar in Kona Town many stop here to enjoy their street tacos, drinks and watch sports.
A popular beach many visit. There is a restaurant there as well where you can relax and enjoy some nice food, drinks with ocean and sunset views.
23 locals recommend
Kona Magic Sands
77-6452 Ali‘i DrA popular beach many visit. There is a restaurant there as well where you can relax and enjoy some nice food, drinks with ocean and sunset views.
A popular spot to listen to music, watch sports or grab some drinks.
40 locals recommend
Laverne's Sports Bar
75-5819 Ali‘i DrA popular spot to listen to music, watch sports or grab some drinks.
KAI restaurant where you can enjoy Breakfast or Happy HOUR featuring lots of tap beer by the SEA at KAI restaurant in Kona Town close to condo.
93 locals recommend
Kailua
KAI restaurant where you can enjoy Breakfast or Happy HOUR featuring lots of tap beer by the SEA at KAI restaurant in Kona Town close to condo.
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrEnjoy some local dishes walking distance from the condo.
The Coffee Shack has amazing views and drinks. You will need a car to get here but it is definitely worth the drive.
137 locals recommend
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyThe Coffee Shack has amazing views and drinks. You will need a car to get here but it is definitely worth the drive.
Not in Kona Town but maybe a restaurant you like to check out while exploring the Island.
31 locals recommend
Napua at Mauna Lani Beach club
68-1292 S Kaniku DrNot in Kona Town but maybe a restaurant you like to check out while exploring the Island.
A local favorite. Pacific Rim Cuisine. Check out the menu online to see if a dish catches your eye you would like to try.
127 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyA local favorite. Pacific Rim Cuisine. Check out the menu online to see if a dish catches your eye you would like to try.
Heard word on Jan 2024 the Mango hotel rooms portion is being converted to housing yet they should still be keeping the restaurant open in future. Mango hotel restaurant is one of the oldest Restaurants in Big Island near the Captain Cook area. A favorite for many locals.
35 locals recommend
Manago Hotel Restaurant
82-6155 Hawaiʻi Belt RdHeard word on Jan 2024 the Mango hotel rooms portion is being converted to housing yet they should still be keeping the restaurant open in future. Mango hotel restaurant is one of the oldest Restaurants in Big Island near the Captain Cook area. A favorite for many locals.
GREAT LOCAL FIND FOR FOOD! One of the oldest restaurants opened in 1929.
54 locals recommend
Teshima's Restaurant
79-7251 Hawaiʻi Belt RdGREAT LOCAL FIND FOR FOOD! One of the oldest restaurants opened in 1929.
I love the garlic shrimp dish they serve here. This is a close restaurant within walking distance to the condo and a nice place to enjoy eating while watching the ocean and sunset views while dining.
77 locals recommend
Humpy's Big Island Alehouse
75-5815 Ali‘i DrI love the garlic shrimp dish they serve here. This is a close restaurant within walking distance to the condo and a nice place to enjoy eating while watching the ocean and sunset views while dining.
Restaurants by the sea popular for watching the sunset
This ocean side reaturant has a great Happy Hour and Live Music at 530pm nightly and a very short walk from the condo. This menu image was taken Dec 2023. Offerings and/or pricing can change.
25 locals recommend
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RoadThis ocean side reaturant has a great Happy Hour and Live Music at 530pm nightly and a very short walk from the condo. This menu image was taken Dec 2023. Offerings and/or pricing can change.
Spend a day at the beach at Magic Sands and then just hop over to the Magic Sands Grill to enjoy some drinks, food and sunset.
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrSpend a day at the beach at Magic Sands and then just hop over to the Magic Sands Grill to enjoy some drinks, food and sunset.
I love the Kona Tower dish stacked with Ahi and crab. Very nice sunset views here.
69 locals recommend
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrI love the Kona Tower dish stacked with Ahi and crab. Very nice sunset views here.
There is a great sea side restaurant by this hotels pool, which is a great place to grab and drink or food and enjoy a beautiful sunset. This hotel is near the Waikoloa area.
14 locals recommend
Fairmont Orchid - Hawaii
1 N Kaniku DrThere is a great sea side restaurant by this hotels pool, which is a great place to grab and drink or food and enjoy a beautiful sunset. This hotel is near the Waikoloa area.
Sightseeing
Two Step
A top snorkeling destination on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveSnorkeling
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Beach in Big Island
There is a shoreline access path right across the street to right from condo. You can be sipping your morning coffee sea side in about a 5 to 7 min walk from condo. There is often morning yoga sessions going on in the mornings at this beach.
6 locals recommend
Honl’s Beach
There is a shoreline access path right across the street to right from condo. You can be sipping your morning coffee sea side in about a 5 to 7 min walk from condo. There is often morning yoga sessions going on in the mornings at this beach.
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DrivePopular beach for locals and visitors of the Big Island.
It can be a hard rough road to drive down but its a nice area where you can often spot monk seals here.
16 locals recommend
Kekaha Kai Beach Park
Hawaii 19It can be a hard rough road to drive down but its a nice area where you can often spot monk seals here.
Mahana Beach
The popular Green Sand Beach of the Big Island.
Hapuna Beach
Popular beach to visit in Big Island.
Punalu‘u Beach
Popular black sand beach on the Big Island.
Every Wednesday, Queens’ Marketplace offers a free, one-hour hula performance from 6pm-7pm at the Coronation Pavilion.
Hula is the storytelling of native Hawaiian culture through song and dance, sharing stories of genealogy, prophecies and even our current lifestyle. Ancient hula is called kahiko, while the modern interpretation is called ‘auana. Both are performed at the Queens’ Marketplace weekly performance.
We encourage you to swing on by and be a part of this beautiful, cultural experience! PLEASE NOTE the free Hula show could change for unknown reasons.
83 locals recommend
Queens' Market Place
69-201 Waikōloa Beach DrEvery Wednesday, Queens’ Marketplace offers a free, one-hour hula performance from 6pm-7pm at the Coronation Pavilion.
Hula is the storytelling of native Hawaiian culture through song and dance, sharing stories of genealogy, prophecies and even our current lifestyle. Ancient hula is called kahiko, while the modern interpretation is called ‘auana. Both are performed at the Queens’ Marketplace weekly performance.
We encourage you to swing on by and be a part of this beautiful, cultural experience! PLEASE NOTE the free Hula show could change for unknown reasons.
Popular destination in the Big Island. Entry fees are subject to change.
To tour the Jaggar Museum is free currently but please note that offering can change at any time. The Jaggar museum is one of the busiest locations in the park. The museum is all about volcanology with displays of equipment used by scientists in the past to study the volcano, working seismographs, and an exhibit of clothing and gear from scientists who got a bit too close to lava. There is also a gift shop with books, videos, cds, maps, and other special items for sale. The Museum has large windows which affords a sheltered view of the caldera and main crater, Halema`uma`u, when weather is inclement. The overlook outside the building offers an incredible view of the volcano with interpretive displays about Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is adjoining the Jaggar Museum, but is not open to the public.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Popular destination in the Big Island. Entry fees are subject to change.
To tour the Jaggar Museum is free currently but please note that offering can change at any time. The Jaggar museum is one of the busiest locations in the park. The museum is all about volcanology with displays of equipment used by scientists in the past to study the volcano, working seismographs, and an exhibit of clothing and gear from scientists who got a bit too close to lava. There is also a gift shop with books, videos, cds, maps, and other special items for sale. The Museum has large windows which affords a sheltered view of the caldera and main crater, Halema`uma`u, when weather is inclement. The overlook outside the building offers an incredible view of the volcano with interpretive displays about Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is adjoining the Jaggar Museum, but is not open to the public.
Ho'okena Beach Park
86-4322 Mamalahoa HwyBeach Spot in Captain Cook area.
Kua Bay
Beach spot!
Monk seals are sometimes spotted here. It's a rough drive to get to better to take a truck or 4×4 Jeep.
19 locals recommend
Mahai'ula Beach
Monk seals are sometimes spotted here. It's a rough drive to get to better to take a truck or 4×4 Jeep.
Beautiful preserve on Hilo side of Island that you can explore and see waterfalls and many varieties of tropical plants.
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyBeautiful preserve on Hilo side of Island that you can explore and see waterfalls and many varieties of tropical plants.
This state park, hidden away in a dense forested area just northwest of Hilo along the gorgeous Hamakua Coast, features two of the Big Island's most majestic scenes: Kahuna Falls and 'Akaka Falls. The former, easily the smaller of the two, cascades over a tree-lined cliff into the canopy below. Meanwhile, the latter tumbles more than 440 feet into a lush gorge, creating a spectacular scene that's been photographed countless times over the years. The trail leading to the waterfalls is moderately strenuous, and the entire walk takes less than an hour. It's idea to drop by the fall on your way to or from Hilo, otherwise it's sort of out of the way if you're in Kona.
Akaka Falls is really two gorgeous falls in one, and is a lovely sight during the long drive between Hilo and Kona. Explore the trail down to the falls, but with caution.
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdThis state park, hidden away in a dense forested area just northwest of Hilo along the gorgeous Hamakua Coast, features two of the Big Island's most majestic scenes: Kahuna Falls and 'Akaka Falls. The former, easily the smaller of the two, cascades over a tree-lined cliff into the canopy below. Meanwhile, the latter tumbles more than 440 feet into a lush gorge, creating a spectacular scene that's been photographed countless times over the years. The trail leading to the waterfalls is moderately strenuous, and the entire walk takes less than an hour. It's idea to drop by the fall on your way to or from Hilo, otherwise it's sort of out of the way if you're in Kona.
Akaka Falls is really two gorgeous falls in one, and is a lovely sight during the long drive between Hilo and Kona. Explore the trail down to the falls, but with caution.
Just a short drive outside of downtown Hilo, the Wailuku River penetrates dense tropical undergrowth and cascades more than 80 feet into a picturesque gorge. The emerald green pool at the base of the falls used to be a popular swimming hole, especially with daredevils who wanted to explore the cave behind the falls; however, that's now against the law. Instead, visitors must make their way down the slick, stone walkway to the overlook, from which they have a terrific vantage point of this magnificent scene. Move around the property to different view points and you'll most likely be treated to rainbows in the mist of the falls.
It is a Free Thing to Do and is easily accessible. Rainbow Falls is a not to miss sight in Hilo.
337 locals recommend
Rainbow Falls
Just a short drive outside of downtown Hilo, the Wailuku River penetrates dense tropical undergrowth and cascades more than 80 feet into a picturesque gorge. The emerald green pool at the base of the falls used to be a popular swimming hole, especially with daredevils who wanted to explore the cave behind the falls; however, that's now against the law. Instead, visitors must make their way down the slick, stone walkway to the overlook, from which they have a terrific vantage point of this magnificent scene. Move around the property to different view points and you'll most likely be treated to rainbows in the mist of the falls.
It is a Free Thing to Do and is easily accessible. Rainbow Falls is a not to miss sight in Hilo.
The Big Island version of the Valley of the Kings, Waipi'o has long maintained a special place in the hearts of locals. Steeped in legend, the deep, narrow valley stretches some 5-plus miles, flanked on either side by towering rock walls. The valley floor is a lush tapestry of tropical flora, and guava, red banana, and taro hide a multitude of natural treasures, like tranquil freshwater streams and waterfalls. Tourists are discouraged from taking cars into the valley. I have heard you can call the Waipi'o Valley Shuttle, which is said to offer narrated, 4-wheel drive tours. Visitors not wanting to take the 90-minute trip can experience the valley's beauty from the overlook for free.
Waipi'o Valley is a beautiful, lush valley with vast waterfalls, a black sand beach, and a rich history.
Only a four-wheel drive vehicle can make it down into the valley and different regulations can sometimes change with getting in to this remote area.
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
The Big Island version of the Valley of the Kings, Waipi'o has long maintained a special place in the hearts of locals. Steeped in legend, the deep, narrow valley stretches some 5-plus miles, flanked on either side by towering rock walls. The valley floor is a lush tapestry of tropical flora, and guava, red banana, and taro hide a multitude of natural treasures, like tranquil freshwater streams and waterfalls. Tourists are discouraged from taking cars into the valley. I have heard you can call the Waipi'o Valley Shuttle, which is said to offer narrated, 4-wheel drive tours. Visitors not wanting to take the 90-minute trip can experience the valley's beauty from the overlook for free.
Waipi'o Valley is a beautiful, lush valley with vast waterfalls, a black sand beach, and a rich history.
Only a four-wheel drive vehicle can make it down into the valley and different regulations can sometimes change with getting in to this remote area.
Great place to view sea turtles as there are may lagoons here for them to rest and feed.
45 locals recommend
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Great place to view sea turtles as there are may lagoons here for them to rest and feed.
Waialea Beach
Old Puako RoadBeach on the Big Island to see.
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Free lava tube tour hike near Hilo was recently closed due to instability of tubes not sure when it may reopen?
65 locals recommend
Kaumana Caves
1492 Kaumana DrFree lava tube tour hike near Hilo was recently closed due to instability of tubes not sure when it may reopen?
Recommended beach place to learn how to use a boogie board for first-time newbies.
174 locals recommend
Hāpuna Beach State Park
Old Puako RoadRecommended beach place to learn how to use a boogie board for first-time newbies.
Great local beach with picnic tables, trees, and grassy areas to relax. Parking is limited here, but many love this area for its beauty and snorkeling.
27 locals recommend
Manini Beach
Manini Beach RoadGreat local beach with picnic tables, trees, and grassy areas to relax. Parking is limited here, but many love this area for its beauty and snorkeling.
Visit the Big Islands' natural hot springs. You can swim in these hot springs for free in the Big Island of Hawaii near Pahoa.🌺
101 locals recommend
Isaac Hale Park
13-101 Kalapana - Kapoho RdVisit the Big Islands' natural hot springs. You can swim in these hot springs for free in the Big Island of Hawaii near Pahoa.🌺
Waialea Beach
Old Puako Roadnice beach to relax🌺
Free trails to walk through a 600 year old village.
Get here early in the day as they typically close the park entrance gate at 315pm
24 locals recommend
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Hawaii 270Free trails to walk through a 600 year old village.
Get here early in the day as they typically close the park entrance gate at 315pm
Hapuna Beach
Beach in Big Island Hawaii
This is a local tour company offering pick up in Kailua-Kona. You can book ziplining adventures and small group private waterfall tours experiences on the Kohala side of the Big Island.
21 locals recommend
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
73-5593 Olowalu StThis is a local tour company offering pick up in Kailua-Kona. You can book ziplining adventures and small group private waterfall tours experiences on the Kohala side of the Big Island.
Place you can park for free and get access to sandy beaches and walk a shoreline path behind the Four Seasons hotel and golf course as well as the Rosewood hotel.
Kukio Beach Public Parking
Place you can park for free and get access to sandy beaches and walk a shoreline path behind the Four Seasons hotel and golf course as well as the Rosewood hotel.
Holoholokai Beach Park
Holoholokai Beach Park RoadPark at this beach park for FREE and do the FREE petroglyph hike.
Food Scene
If you like freshly made juices and smoothies this is a great place to visit in Kona its located to right of sak and save.
26 locals recommend
Loko Wraps
82-6066 Mamalahoa HwyIf you like freshly made juices and smoothies this is a great place to visit in Kona its located to right of sak and save.
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveGreat Italian food near Hilo you might want to check out.
Luna Restaurant
65-1158 Hawaiʻi Belt RdGood Italian food if you are passing through Waimea.
Great seafood restaurant to check out as you are driving back to Kona Town from Waimea.
56 locals recommend
Seafood Bar and Grill
61-3642 Kawaihae RdGreat seafood restaurant to check out as you are driving back to Kona Town from Waimea.
If you are a beer fan this is a great place to check out in Waimea try their beer flights.
88 locals recommend
Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa HwyIf you are a beer fan this is a great place to check out in Waimea try their beer flights.
Great place to have food on the beach! Also the beach to left of Lava Lava beach club you will find a walking trail, which is a little rocky, but will take you all the way to the Hilton Resort.
171 locals recommend
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlGreat place to have food on the beach! Also the beach to left of Lava Lava beach club you will find a walking trail, which is a little rocky, but will take you all the way to the Hilton Resort.
Hole in the wall locals bar many enjoy visiting. Check out reviews online. This bar is in Kona Town.
9 locals recommend
Dolphin Spit Saloon
75-5629 Kuakini HwyHole in the wall locals bar many enjoy visiting. Check out reviews online. This bar is in Kona Town.
A place in Hilo as well as Kona you can visit if you are looking for good chocolate. Below is the adresss for the Kona town location.74-5606 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 The Kona Town location has some great chocolate martinis too!
7 locals recommend
Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe
277 Keawe StA place in Hilo as well as Kona you can visit if you are looking for good chocolate. Below is the adresss for the Kona town location.74-5606 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 The Kona Town location has some great chocolate martinis too!
CanoeHouse
68-1400 Mauna Lani DrRestaurant with a water view many locals recommend.
ULU Ocean Grill
72-100 Ka'upulehu DriveMoana
Hiking
Great place to hike and experience the Big Islands' natural vegetation which displays some very large impressive ferns.
6 locals recommend
Makuala O'Oma Trail
Great place to hike and experience the Big Islands' natural vegetation which displays some very large impressive ferns.
Lekeleke/Kuamo'o Burial Grounds
78-7101 Māmalahoa Bypass RdA beautiful hike around the coast line.
Pololū Trail Head
nice hike on Big Island of Hawaii down to beach
Great FREE short hike you can take while heading over to Hilo on saddle road.
Kaulana Manu Nature Trail
State Route 200Great FREE short hike you can take while heading over to Hilo on saddle road.
Hike all the way down and you will find a beautiful reef to snorkel and enjoy lots of fish.
64 locals recommend
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo RoadHike all the way down and you will find a beautiful reef to snorkel and enjoy lots of fish.
Hike near the Volcano area of Big Island.
Kipuka Puaulu Trail, Mauna Loa Rd, Volcano, HI 96785
7 locals recommend
Bird Park
Mauna Loa RoadHike near the Volcano area of Big Island.
Kipuka Puaulu Trail, Mauna Loa Rd, Volcano, HI 96785
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
73-5593 Olowalu StHoloholokai Beach Park
Holoholokai Beach Park RoadPark at this beach park for FREE and do the FREE petroglyph hike.
Sunset Dinner Cruises
For guests interested in booking a snorkel boat excursion or a sunset dinner cruise Body Glove is a local favorite.
21 locals recommend
Body Glove Hawaii
For guests interested in booking a snorkel boat excursion or a sunset dinner cruise Body Glove is a local favorite.
Sandy and typically calm Beach to visit
Mauna Lani Beach is considered private by the resort, but you can hike to it and visit for the day.
It takes a little more effort to get to Mauna Lani Resort beach without a guest resort pass. Many share there is shoreline access to the beach for the public from Mauna Lani sports and fitness club and its a 15 min walk from that public parking area
Mauna Lani Beach Club, Puako, HI 96743, USA
It takes a little more effort to get to Mauna Lani Resort beach without a guest resort pass. Many share there is shoreline access to the beach for the public from Mauna Lani sports and fitness club and its a 15 min walk from that public parking area